He debuted in round one of the 2007 season, coincidentally at the Gabba against Brisbane.

His 36th AFL game was the 2008 grand final when he had 28 crucial touches (more than any of his teammates), took 14 marks and kicked a goal in a premiership team that beat Geelong by 26 points.

And while injuries started to take their toll after that, he still managed a grand final appearance against Sydney in 2012 – playing through most of the loss with a torn calf.

That pretty much cost him most of the 2013 season, which culminated in him watching his teammates win a flag against Fremantle.

Simpson believes it’s been as much a mental battle for Ellis than a physical one to pick himself up and start again with a new club.

“Probably more the emotional battle, the mental battle for 'X' to get back on the track – broken down and get back, broken down and seeing a premiership, being a part of a club that plays in a premiership and knowing you are good enough, but your body’s not,” he said.

“So to go through all that and come over here and re-introduce yourself as a player and establish himself as a senior player... I’m really happy for Xavier.

“It’s a credit to him and his preparation and I don’t think we have seen the best of Ellis yet – so I look forward to the next 100.”

Ellis arrives in the west at the perfect time; the 26-year-old brings experience that many of his young teammates do not have.

“We’re rapt to get him this year – what he has been able to bring to the backline just in terms of experience and what he knows from Hawthorn has helped a lot of guys around him,” midfielder Luke Shuey said this week.

“So, he’s a vital part of our team and I am looking forward to playing with 'X' for a few more years.”

Shuey said he expected Ellis to be in mix at the start of next season when the players choose the club’s next captain after Glass’ retirement. He thinks Eagles fans would embrace such a decision, even though he’s come from Hawthorn."